Here’s the wheel deal
Rice sets rules for cycling on campus, but pedestrians
must help, too

BY MIKE WILLIAMS
Rice News staff

In an effort to be fair to cyclists, motorists and pedestrians alike, Rice University has adopted a set of common-sense rules for riding on campus. The product of a series of meetings by a bicycle safety committee formed in spring 2008 and a survey conducted earlier this year, the rules clearly spell out how to behave — and how not to — when two-wheeling on campus.

	TOMMY LAVERGNE
	The right thing for cyclists to do on a crowded Rice sidewalk is dismount and walk their bikes. A new set of common-sense rules is the result of more than a year of work by a committee of campus volunteers.

“There was no clear mandate in terms of where bicycles should ride, based on the configuration of the campus and the one-way loop,” said Carolie Allgood, school administrator at the George R. Brown School of Engineering and co-chair of the committee.

“We formed our policy to try to focus on safety rather than bike routes, and the big differences this year are mandated bicycle registration and the ban on riding in covered-walkway areas,” she said.

The rules as written fall into seven categories, briefly summarized here. The full policy and information on registering a bicycle are available at the Rice University Police Department (RUPD) Web site’s “Bikes at Rice” page, http://www.rice.edu/bikesatrice/.

1. All bicycles on campus must be registered with RUPD. The process is free and avoids having police cite or remove unregistered bikes. Go to the Web site, stop by RUPD or call 713-348-6000 to learn more.

2. Obey the rules of the road just as if you were driving a car. Obey traffic signs, always ride with traffic, and yield to other vehicles and pedestrians already at an intersection.

3. Pedestrians have the right of way on sidewalks, in crosswalks and around any stopped bus. It is the cyclist’s responsibility to yield. Don’t pass a bus that has stopped to pick up or drop off pedestrians.

Rice has a “bell or yell” policy that mandates that cyclists announce their approach when passing pedestrians from behind. Cyclists get a free bell when registering with RUPD.

4. Covered walkways are off-limits to bicycles. Because these walkways have blind corners and are located in front of building entrances, cyclists must walk their bikes in these areas or risk a citation.

5. Cycling is permitted on sidewalks, but riders are encouraged to use the streets wherever possible. Walk your bike on a congested sidewalk, but otherwise ride in a careful and prudent manner and slow to near-walking pace within 10 feet of a pedestrian or a building entrance. Cyclists who strike someone may be liable for personal injuries and property damage.

Cycling is not permitted around the Brochstein Pavilion and as posted elsewhere on campus.

6. Secure bicycles to the bike racks located throughout the campus. Bikes locked to fences, signposts, stair railings or locations other than racks may be ticketed or impounded. Unsecured bicycles may be impounded for safekeeping.

7. Abandoned bicycles will be removed by RUPD. Bikes left unattended for an extended period are presumably abandoned and will be tagged with a removal end date. Once a bike is removed, RUPD will hold it for 60 days before it may be disposed of. To retrieve an impounded bike, the owner must provide proof of ownership.

“What seemed simple turned out to be a complex task because of the range of divergent sentiments, not only on the campus at large but also among the committee members,” said Janie Wright Bowes, Rice’s real estate officer and co-chair of the committee. “I’m proud of the committee’s work in reaching consensus and believe these safety guidelines will encourage a deepening of Rice’s already rich culture of courtesy and civility.”

Allgood said having riders announce their presence will be important, but pedestrians must also be aware of their surroundings. “You need to realize that if you walk four abreast on a sidewalk, it doesn’t leave much room for anybody to pass,” she said. “Be aware that you’re sharing most of the sidewalks with bicyclists. Pedestrians need to help out by doing their part as well.”